I Tried 30+ Python Courses on Udemy, Here are My Top 5 Recommendations for 2026

My favorite Udemy Courses to learn Python Programming in 2026

I Tried 30+ Python Courses on Udemy, Here are My Top 5 Recommendations

Hello guys, after spending over 500 hours in last 8 years and going through more than 30 Python courses on Udemy, I can finally give you an honest, no-BS guide to the absolute best Python courses available in 2026.

Why Python? Because if you want to start coding, break into tech, or pivot your career in 2026, Python is hands-down your best choice.

It’s the most popular programming language globally, dominating fields like software development, data science, machine learning, AI, automation, web development, and even game development.

The job market agrees — Python developers consistently command top salaries, and companies from startups to Fortune 500s are desperately seeking Python talent.

But here’s the problem: Not all Python courses are created equal.

I’ve wasted countless hours on boring, outdated courses that teach Python 2, skip important concepts, or drone on with theory without practical application. I don’t want you to make the same mistakes.

The best thing is that Udemy is running their biggest sale of the year now, and offering over 80 to 90% discount on Black Friday. This means you can get all of these courses for less than $50 which is like the best money you can spend on learning a useful skill like Python in this AI age.

And, if you are in hurry, start with this amazing Python course by Angela Yu, one of my favorite Udemy instructors.

Why I Trust Udemy for Learning Python?

Before we dive in, let me explain why Udemy became my go-to platform:

  • 180,000+ courses covering every conceivable topic
  • Affordable pricing — courses regularly go on sale for just $10–15
  • Lifetime access — buy once, learn forever, revisit anytime
  • Udemy Personal Plan — $30/month for access to 10,000+ top courses
  • Practical, project-based courses created by industry experts
  • Real student reviews — you can see what actually works

I’ve personally invested in the Udemy Personal Plan because I learn new technologies constantly, and having unlimited access has saved me thousands of dollars while giving me the flexibility to explore different teaching styles until I find what clicks.

Now, after trying over 30 Python courses, here are my top 5 recommendations that actually deliver results.

My Top 5 Python Courses on Udemy for 2026

Without any further ado, here are my top 5 Python programming courses for 2026. Most of them are tried and tested by millions of developers and if you want to learn Python in 2026, they are the ones you should join.

1.100 Days of Code — — The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp for 2026

Instructor: Angela Yu
Best For: Absolute beginners and those who learn by building

This is, without question, the #1 Python course on Udemy right now, and after completing it myself, I understand why.

Course Overview:

Angela Yu’s bootcamp-style course is based on the viral #100DaysOfCode challenge. You’ll build 100 Python projects in 100 days, covering everything from basic syntax to advanced applications in data science, web development, automation, and machine learning.

What Makes This Course Extraordinary:

Angela is a former bootcamp instructor, and it shows. Her teaching style is clear, engaging, and designed to make complex concepts accessible. Unlike most instructors who drone through slides, Angela makes learning genuinely fun and addictive.

Comprehensive Coverage:

  • 60+ hours of on-demand video content
  • 667 lectures covering Python fundamentals to advanced topics
  • 229 articles with written explanations and resources
  • 116 downloadable resources including code, cheat sheets, and project files

Skills You’ll Master:

  • Python 3 fundamentals and advanced concepts
  • Web scraping with Beautiful Soup and Selenium
  • Web development with Flask
  • Data science with Pandas and NumPy
  • Data visualization with Matplotlib, Plotly, and Seaborn
  • Machine learning with Scikit-Learn
  • Desktop GUI applications
  • API development and integration
  • Automation scripts that save hours of work

Real Projects You’ll Build:

  • Professional portfolio website
  • Blog with authentication
  • Automated trading bot
  • Watermarking desktop app
  • Data visualization dashboards
  • Snake game, Pong game, and more
  • Real-world automation scripts

Why Students Love It:

With consistently stellar reviews, students report landing jobs, switching careers, and building confidence through the progressive project-based approach. The course doesn’t just teach you Python — it teaches you to think like a programmer.

Perfect If You’re:

  • Brand new to programming
  • Want a structured, daily learning routine
  • Learn best by building real projects
  • Looking for the most comprehensive Python course available
  • Interested in data science, web development, or automation

Here is the link to join this course — Start Your Python Journey with Angela Yu →

2. Complete Python Bootcamp: Go from Zero to Hero in Python 3

Instructor: Jose Portilla
Best For: Beginners and programmers switching from other languages

Jose Portilla is a Udemy legend with over 4 million students, and this course is one of the reasons why. Multiple Python experts recommended this to me, and it exceeded my high expectations.

What Sets This Course Apart:

This is one of the rare courses that covers both Python 2 and Python 3, which is invaluable if you need to maintain legacy code (surprisingly common in enterprise environments). However, the focus is appropriately on Python 3.

Comprehensive Curriculum:

  • Complete Python 3 fundamentals
  • Object-oriented programming (OOP)
  • Python decorators and generators
  • Working with PDFs and spreadsheets
  • Web scraping and automation
  • Email automation
  • Image manipulation with Python
  • Data analysis fundamentals

Teaching Style:

Jose’s teaching philosophy is simple yet powerful: explain concepts clearly, demonstrate with examples, then let you practice. His lectures are concise, avoiding unnecessary fluff while ensuring you understand the “why” behind each concept.

Who Should Take This Course:

This course excels for three groups:

  1. Complete beginners who’ve never programmed
  2. Programmers from other languages (Java, C++, JavaScript, Ruby) wanting to learn Python
  3. Python programmers who know basics but want to level up

Real-World Application:

Students consistently report getting Python interviews and jobs after completing this course. The skills taught translate directly to workplace requirements — no fluff, just practical knowledge.

Perfect If You’re:

  • Want clear, concise explanations without wasted time
  • Coming from another programming language
  • Need to understand both Python 2 and 3
  • Prefer a systematic, bootcamp-style approach

Here is the link to join this Python course — Complete Python Bootcamp: Go from zero to hero in Python 3

3. Complete Python Developer in 2026: Zero to Mastery

Instructor: Andrei Neagoie
Best For: Career-switchers and those targeting web development roles

Andrei Neagoie runs the Zero to Mastery Academy, and his Python course reflects the quality and depth you’d expect from a dedicated online school. This is one of the highest-rated Python courses on Udemy, and for good reason.

The ZTM Difference:

Unlike courses that teach Python in isolation, Andrei’s approach prepares you for real developer careers. You’ll learn Python in the context of actual industry applications, particularly web development and machine learning.

What You’ll Build:

This project-heavy course has you building 12+ real-world applications, including:

  • Professional portfolio website to showcase your skills
  • Web scraper using Python and Beautiful Soup
  • Automation scripts for productivity
  • Machine learning applications
  • Data analysis projects
  • API integrations

Comprehensive Coverage:

  • Python 3 fundamentals and advanced features
  • Web development with Python (Flask/Django)
  • Machine learning and data science basics
  • Automation and scripting
  • Working with databases
  • Testing and debugging
  • Career advice and interview preparation

Why This Course Stands Out:

If Angela Yu’s or Jose Portilla’s teaching styles don’t resonate with you (everyone learns differently), Andrei offers an excellent alternative. His explanations are thorough, his projects are practical, and his community support is exceptional.

Here is the link to join this Python course on Udemy — Complete Python Developer in 2026: Zero to Mastery

The ZTM Academy Advantage:

Andrei runs the Zero to Mastery Academy where you can access all his courses (Python, JavaScript, Web Development, Machine Learning, etc.) for a single monthly subscription of $39. If you’re learning multiple technologies, this is incredible value.

Use code FRIENDS10 for 10% off ZTM Academy membership!

Perfect If You’re:

  • Targeting web development or machine learning careers
  • Want comprehensive project portfolio
  • Prefer thorough, detailed explanations
  • Considering multiple technology learning paths

4. The Python Mega Course: Build 10 Real World Applications

Instructor: Ardit Sulce
Best For: Hands-on learners who want diverse project experience

If you’re the type who learns best by building, this course is your perfect match. Ardit Sulce is a Python expert who understands that the best way to master programming is through practical application across different domains.

The Project-Based Approach:

Instead of endless theory, you’ll immediately dive into building 10 substantial real-world applications that showcase Python’s versatility across multiple domains:

Projects Include:

  1. Web scraper — Collect and analyze data from websites
  2. Portfolio website — Build and deploy on a real server
  3. English-to-other-language translator — Working with APIs
  4. Webcam motion detector — Computer vision application
  5. Desktop database application — GUI development
  6. Data visualization dashboard — Present insights beautifully
  7. Geocoding web app — Working with maps and location data
  8. Mobile-friendly website — Responsive design
  9. Book inventory — CRUD operations and databases
  10. Interactive data dashboard — Advanced visualization

Skills Across Multiple Domains:

  • Web development and deployment
  • Data collection and web scraping
  • GUI desktop application development
  • Data visualization and analysis
  • API integration and development
  • Database management
  • Computer vision basics
  • Automation and scripting

Why This Course Excels:

Each project teaches different aspects of Python while building something genuinely useful. You’re not creating toy examples — these are applications you can actually use, show potential employers, or even monetize.

Ardit’s teaching style is practical and focused. He doesn’t waste time on unnecessary theory; instead, he shows you how professionals solve real problems with Python.

Perfect If You’re:

  • Learn best through hands-on project work
  • Want a diverse portfolio to show employers
  • Prefer practical application over theory
  • Interested in multiple Python domains

Here is the link to join this Python course — The Python Mega Course: Build 10 Real World Applications

5. The Modern Python 3 Bootcamp by Colt Steele

Instructor: Colt Steele
Best For: Those who appreciate engaging, entertaining instruction

Colt Steele is Udemy royalty for a reason — he’s a former bootcamp instructor with an incredible talent for making programming accessible and even fun. His Python bootcamp lives up to his reputation.

Course Statistics:

  • 29+ hours of comprehensive content
  • 4.7 rating from over 151,000 students
  • Regularly updated with Python 3 best practices
  • Extensive coverage from basics to advanced topics

What Makes Colt’s Course Special:

Colt’s background as a professional bootcamp instructor shines through in every lecture. He knows exactly where beginners struggle and preemptively addresses confusion before it happens.

Comprehensive Coverage:

  • Python 3 fundamentals and syntax
  • Data structures (lists, dictionaries, sets, tuples)
  • Functions, lambdas, and decorators
  • Object-oriented programming (OOP)
  • File I/O and working with data
  • Web scraping and APIs
  • Web development fundamentals
  • Testing and debugging
  • Regular expressions
  • Iterators and generators

Engaging Teaching Style:

What sets Colt apart is his ability to make dry concepts entertaining. He uses humor, real-world analogies, and practical examples that stick in your memory. Students consistently mention feeling motivated to continue learning because his teaching style is so engaging.

Hands-On Projects:

Throughout the course, you’ll build numerous projects and complete coding exercises that reinforce each concept. Colt believes in learning by doing, not just watching.

Perfect If You’re:

  • Want an entertaining, engaging learning experience
  • Appreciate thorough explanations with personality
  • Looking for a true bootcamp-style curriculum
  • Value structured progression from basics to advanced

Here is the link to join this Python course — — The Modern Python 3 Bootcamp by Colt Steele

Honorable Mentions: Courses That Almost Made the Cut

While my top 5 courses above are exceptional, several other courses deserve recognition:

Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp by Jose Portilla

If your primary goal is data science rather than general Python development, this specialized course is outstanding. Jose focuses specifically on NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn, Plotly, and Scikit-Learn for machine learning applications.

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python Programming by Al Sweigart

Based on the popular book, this course is perfect for non-programmers who want to use Python for automation. If you’re not targeting a developer career but want to automate spreadsheets, PDFs, emails, and repetitive tasks, this is ideal.

Python and Django Full Stack Web Developer Bootcamp by Jose Portilla

For those specifically targeting web development careers with Python, this course combines Python fundamentals with the Django framework, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Bootstrap for full-stack development.

Learn Python Programming Masterclass by Tim Buchalka

Tim is a veteran instructor with decades of programming experience. His course is thorough and traditional, perfect for those who prefer a more academic, systematic approach.

How to Choose the Right Python Course for You?

Here is a quick guide to choose the right course for you:

Pick Angela Yu’s 100 Days of Code if you want the most comprehensive, project-filled course available and learn best with daily structure.

Choose Jose Portilla’s Complete Bootcamp if you want clear, concise instruction from a proven expert with millions of successful students.

Select Andrei’s Zero to Mastery course if you’re targeting web development or machine learning careers and want excellent career preparation.

Go with Ardit Sulce’s Mega Course if you learn best by building diverse projects and want a portfolio of 10 applications.

Pick Colt Steele’s Modern Bootcamp if you appreciate engaging, entertaining instruction that makes learning genuinely fun.

My Recommended Learning Path for Python in 2026

Based on trying 30+ courses, here’s the path I’d follow if starting over:

Months 1–2: Foundation

  • Choose ONE of the top 5 courses and commit to it completely
  • Code along with every example — don’t just watch
  • Complete all exercises and assignments
  • Build variations of the projects to solidify understanding
  • Practice 1–2 hours daily (consistency beats intensity)

Months 3–4: Specialization

  • Decide your path: Web Development, Data Science, or Automation
  • Take a specialized course in your chosen area
  • Build 2–3 personal projects from scratch
  • Contribute to open-source Python projects
  • Start a GitHub portfolio to showcase your work

Months 5–6: Advanced Skills

  • Learn testing and debugging best practices
  • Study design patterns and clean code principles
  • Build a substantial portfolio project (2–3 weeks of focused work)
  • Practice coding interview problems on LeetCode/HackerRank
  • Network with other Python developers online

Continuous Improvement:

  • Join Python communities (Reddit’s r/learnpython, Discord servers)
  • Read “Clean Code” and “Python Tricks” books
  • Follow Python blogs and podcasts
  • Build side projects that solve real problems
  • Consider contributing to open-source projects

The Udemy Advantage: Why These Courses Work

After trying courses on multiple platforms, Udemy courses consistently delivered better results for these reasons:

1. Practical, Project-Based Learning Theory is useless without application. These courses have you building real projects from day one, ensuring skills stick.

2. Affordable Investment At $10–15 per course during sales (which happen constantly), the ROI is incredible. Compare this to $10,000+ bootcamps teaching similar content.

3. Lifetime Access Buy once, access forever. Revisit sections when you need refreshers or when new content gets added.

4. Learn at Your Own Pace No arbitrary deadlines or pressure. Learn when you have time, pause when life gets busy.

5. Active Q&A Communities Stuck on something? The Q&A sections have instructors and students helping each other, often with responses within hours.

6. Real Student Reviews You can see exactly what worked (or didn’t) for thousands of students before investing your time and money.

Why Python Skills Are Essential in 2026

The demand for Python developers isn’t slowing down — it’s accelerating:

Job Market Reality:

  • Python developers earn $110,000–150,000+ annually (US market)
  • Every major tech company uses Python extensively
  • Startups default to Python for rapid development
  • Data science and AI roles almost exclusively use Python

Versatility Across Industries:

  • Finance: Trading algorithms, risk analysis, automation
  • Healthcare: Medical imaging, drug discovery, patient data analysis
  • Entertainment: Visual effects, game development, streaming platforms
  • E-commerce: Recommendation engines, fraud detection, inventory management
  • Research: Scientific computing, simulations, data analysis

Future-Proof Skills: Python’s simplicity and versatility ensure it will remain relevant for decades. The skills you learn today will serve you throughout your career, even as specific frameworks and libraries evolve.

Common Questions About Learning Python

Do I need math or prior programming experience? No! All five courses assume zero knowledge. Math skills help for data science, but aren’t required for general Python development.

How long until I can get a job? With 3–6 months of dedicated study (10–15 hours/week) and a portfolio of projects, you can qualify for entry-level Python positions.

Which course should I start with? If you’re truly a beginner, start with Angela Yu’s 100 Days of Code or Jose Portilla’s Complete Bootcamp. Both are designed for absolute beginners and have the best track records.

Python 2 or Python 3? Learn Python 3. Python 2 reached end-of-life in 2020 and is no longer supported. Only learn Python 2 if maintaining legacy code.

Can I learn Python for free? Yes, free resources exist, but quality courses on Udemy at $10–15 provide structured learning, projects, and support that free resources can’t match. It’s worth the investment.

Should I get Udemy Personal Plan? If you plan to learn multiple technologies (Python, web development, data science, cloud, etc.), the $30/month Personal Plan is excellent value. If focusing solely on Python, buy courses individually.

My Final Recommendation

If I could only recommend one course from these five, it would be Angela Yu’s 100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp.

Here’s why: It’s the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and practical course available. The 100-project structure ensures you’re constantly building and reinforcing concepts.

Angela’s teaching style makes complex topics accessible, and the course covers everything from basics to advanced applications in web development, data science, and automation.

However, everyone learns differently. If Angela’s style doesn’t click with you after a few lectures, Jose Portilla’s or Andrei Neagoie’s courses are equally excellent alternatives.

The key is this: Pick one course and commit to completing it. Don’t jump between courses. Don’t get distracted by shiny new offerings. Complete ONE course thoroughly, build projects, and practice consistently.

Take Action: Your Python Journey Starts Now

I’ve spent 500+ hours and countless dollars testing Python courses so you don’t have to. These five courses represent the absolute best Udemy has to offer for learning Python in 2026.

The difference between dreaming about a programming career and actually having one comes down to taking action. Don’t let analysis paralysis stop you from starting.

Here’s my challenge to you:

  1. Pick ONE course from this list today
  2. Clear your schedule for the next 3 months
  3. Commit to coding 1–2 hours daily
  4. Build every project, complete every exercise
  5. Share your progress and projects online

Python changed my career and opened doors I never imagined. It can do the same for you.

Other AI and Cloud Computing Resources you may like

Thanks for reading this article so far. If you find these best Udemy courses to learn Python then please share with your friends and colleagues. If you have any questions or feedback, then please drop a note.

P. S. — If you want to start from books the start with AI Engineering by Chip Huyen and The LLM Engineering Handbook by Paul Iusztin and Maxime Labonne, both of them are great books and my personal favorites. They are also highly recommend on Redditt and HN.

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